05 Aug Aerial Lifts – Working at Elevations

Aerial Lifts – Working at Elevations

Aerial lifts allow employees to safely reach elevated work areas, but they can expose workers to serious hazards including falls, tip-overs, falling objects, electrical hazards, and contact with overhead obstructions. Employees who operate or work from aerial lifts must be properly trained and understand the equipment, work area, and fall-protection requirements that apply to the task.

Before Using an Aerial Lift

Before work begins:

• Inspect the lift according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check the work area for holes, drop-offs, slopes, debris, overhead obstructions, and other hazards.
• Identify overhead power lines and maintain required clearance.
• Confirm the surface can support the equipment.
• Keep unauthorized employees and pedestrians away from the work area.
• Never exceed the manufacturer’s rated platform or load capacity.

Working Safely from the Platform

While working from an aerial lift:

• Keep both feet firmly on the platform floor.
• Never stand on guardrails, ladders, boxes, planks, or other objects to gain additional height.
• Keep gates and access openings closed while the lift is elevated.
• Do not lean over or climb outside the guardrail system.
• Maintain a safe distance from overhead structures and crushing or pinch-point hazards.
• Do not use the lift as a crane unless specifically designed and approved for that purpose.
• Follow the manufacturer’s requirements for traveling with the platform elevated.

Fall Protection

Fall-protection requirements depend on the type of aerial lift and work being performed. Employees must use the fall protection required by OSHA, the equipment manufacturer, and company procedures.

For boom-supported aerial lifts, employees must generally use an appropriate personal fall restraint or fall arrest system attached to the designated anchorage provided by the manufacturer.

Before use:

• Inspect harnesses, lanyards, connectors, and other fall-protection components.
• Use only designated anchorage points.
• Remove damaged or defective equipment from service.
• Never attach fall-protection equipment to adjacent structures while working from the lift unless specifically permitted by the applicable procedure and equipment requirements.
• Remove fall-arrest equipment from service after it has been subjected to fall-impact loading until it has been properly addressed in accordance with applicable requirements.

Prevent Tip-Overs and Ejections

Never exceed the lift’s rated capacity or operate the equipment outside the manufacturer’s limitations. Use outriggers and stabilizers when required and ensure they are properly positioned.

Avoid sudden movements, excessive platform loads, unsafe slopes, and operation during winds or weather conditions exceeding the manufacturer’s limits. Never move an aerial lift by driving or repositioning another vehicle against it.

Remember

Aerial lifts provide a safer way to reach many elevated work areas only when they are properly inspected, positioned, and operated. Know the equipment’s limitations, use required fall protection, remain inside the platform, and continually watch for changing conditions around and above the lift.